Spring in Poland is not just flowers blooming or people pretending that they like running again. No, the real sign of spring is when the storks come back from their all-inclusive African vacation.
There is nothing more that says “winter is over” than a giant bird just sort of standing on one leg, looking down at you.

Why storks are a big deal in Poland

We, in Poland, we have a soft spot for storks. They’re part of the countryside, part of tradition, and people just like having them around.
It’s said that if a stork builds a nest on your house, you’ll have good luck.

Unlike pigeons, they don’t make a mess in cities, and they actually help keep the countryside free of small pests. So, they’re welcome guests.

Storks are monogamous and usually return to the same nests year after year. The nest of a stork in a tree or a chimney can be generations old. Observing them glide through the sky or sit on their nests is a common sight in the polish countryside.

The urban legend: will you travel or stay home

Once, I’ve heard this urban legend saying that the time when you catch a glimpse of a stork for the very first time in the year – that’s a predictor of your travelling agenda. If you see a flying stork, you’ll be going somewhere this year, but if you spot a stork in the nest – you’ll be staying home.

It’s a simple superstition, but people still make fun of it. Flying storks might make you think about taking a trip, and a nesting stork is an excuse to stay at home.

Either way, the storks do not care.

Why Poland is a great place to see storks

Poland has Europe’s second-largest population of storks.

The landscapes in Poland are perfect for bird watching. Poland’s open fields, rivers, and wetlands give storks plenty of space to live and hunt for food. Whether you’re in a small village or just driving through the countryside, chances are you’ll see a few giant birds along the way.

Pentowo village

Well, there’s a place in Poland where you don’t have to search for storks. They’re right there. The place is called Pentowo.

It’s a tiny village located in north-eastern  Poland, officially it’s an European Stork Village because it has such a dense population of nests. The village is home to more than 30 families of storks, and the area has been made accessible for easy bird-watching.

Pentowo was a stork magnet following a storm in 1991 knocked down trees there. Instead of leaving, storks improvised. They started nesting on broken tree trunks, roofs, and platforms built by locals. Now it’s one of Europe’s finest places to see storks.

What are the connections to Offline Lens

Storks are a great reason to put down screens for a bit.

After all, offline is the new luxury.

And if you do see a stork flying… well, maybe it’s time to go pack a bag and visit Poland.

More about Pentowo village? – CLICK THIS